All Ties Are Not Created Equal

Happy Father's Day Weekend!  As some of you know, I am leaving for my honeymoon tomorrow morning.  But before I head out of town for a week, I am sharing this guest post on men's ties... hopefully it will help you as much as it helped me!

I asked Omar to guest post this weekend because he is always on the cutting edge of men's fashion.  Check out what he had to say:

Hi Natalie,

Great to see you this weekend.  By the way, I wanted to give you some pointers on neckties since you were curious.  The best neckties are called "sevenfold" because historically, they were made with one large piece of silk, accordion-folded 7 times.  However, those ties don't drape well and tend to wrinkle.  These days, most top-notch "sevenfold" ties are actually 6-fold silk, with a wool interlining.  The very best ties are all cut by hand, the "tipping" (the bottom of the wide part of the tie) is hand folded up and hand stitched, and the tie is entirely stitched by hand so it can shift/flex/give a bit.   Fabrics are typically cut on the bias to ensure they hold their shape.

This one-page photoguide explains the process:

Tie Guide

Some of the best ties money can buy can be found here:
Carlo Franco Ties

There are many other manufactures. The fact is, to buy a bespoke tie, you need to turn it over and see the back.    

My tie at the wedding was zegna couture entirely handmade "7-fold" (i.e. 6 fold with lining) silk tie.  

You can't judge by the brand: I have bought $250 ferragamo ties that were complete crap.  Some labels will, however, always have great ties like kiton and brioni.

Omar.

Makeup Style of the Week 6/17/2010 - Creme Highlighter

This image was taken behind the scenes at a Christian Dior runway show.  I was inspired when I came across the image on the  Vogue Paris website.  As such, I thought it would be fitting to write about creme highlighter as it is a staple for spring and summer beauty.  This summer I have been using Mary Kay's limited edition cream highlighter, but I just learned it is sold out.  Another option I recommend is the multiple bronzer stick by Nars in shade Copacabana.  No matter which highlighter you use, make sure it has shimmer to reflect light.  

The face has natural "areas of highlight" or places where the reflection of light is pleasing to the eye.  Two of the areas of highlight are:  a) under the browbone (from the arch toward the temple) and b) at the upper portion of the cheekbone moving toward the temple.  

I usually connect these two areas of highlight to create a "V" formation.  As a makeup artist, I must know the angles and proportions of the human body.  These proportions are made up of many ovals and triangles.  Hence, when I sculpt a face, I try to view it as a series of triangles and ovals; triangles for symmetry and balance - ovals for softened edges.  

After applying your foundation (before powder setting) using your ring finger, tap the creme highlighter gently onto the areas of highlight in a "V" formation.  Starting at your temple, dot upwards toward the browbone, stopping at the arch.  Beginning at your temple again, dot down toward the nose, staying high on the cheekbone (you should not be under the eye in the recessed area, but on the bone) stopping halfway from your temple to your nostril.  The product should make small ovals from your fingerprint.  Now go back and gently blend the ovals together by tapping lightly on the edges of the ovals you made.  Set your look with a finishing powder such as Makeup Forever's HD Microfinish Powder.  

To achieve this model's warm cheek, I recommend Mary Kay's mineral cheek color in Sparkling Cider.

Questions?  Hit me up at Natalie@ave42.com or just leave a comment below!  

Cheers! 

I am dreaming of styling this bride...

Today I am dreaming of a bride who does not fear a break from tradition.  This gorgeous Paget skirt by jcrew is my inspiration.  I love the way it was paired with a simple t-shirt.  If worn with a more fitted camisole, I dream of pairing it with this feather cape (instead of a veil) by Behnaz Sarafpour

Understated makeup is key for this look.  I used Temptu SB Foundation to achieve a clean, luminous finish in the photo below (photographed by Katie Stoops)